Inhabited birdhouses, recipes from Lyökki’s mom, and an “infinite lack of self-criticism regarding construction” make Herrankukkaro in Rymättylä what it is – different. The unique place is piloted together by father and son, Pentti-Oskari and Karioskari Kangas with their families.
Suorakulma, vatupassi ja arkkitehdit ovat täällä kiellettyjä, naurahtaa matkailuyrittäjä Pentti-Oskari Kangas. Hän huiskauttaa kädellään laajan kaaren, joka pyyhkäisee yli Herrankukkaron vanhan kalastajatilan alueen. Turun saaristossa sijaitseva Herrankukkaro on toiminut ryhmille tarkoitettuna kokous- ja virkistyspaikkana 27 vuotta, ja sinä aikana paikka on laajentunut joka suuntaan.
When the operation began, the plot had three buildings and a boathouse. Since then, a considerable number of buildings have emerged – in a unique style and mainly from recycled, gray timber.
– Today, we have 54 buildings here that have a door. Our style can be described as having an infinite lack of self-criticism regarding construction, says Pentti-Oskari Kangas and laughs again.
Pentti-Oskari Kangas, who turned 80 this summer, is one of the biggest attractions of the place. He is a storyteller who has a tale for every topic.
Nearby, his son Karioskari Kangas listens with a gentle smile. He currently pilots the family business and is the captain of both Herrankukkaro and the steamship Ukkopekka. The family business also involves Pentti-Oskari’s wife, all the children of the family, and Karioskari’s wife.
Herrankukkaro’s goal is, above all, to make people smile. Through a smile, you influence emotions and leave a lasting impression, summarizes Pentti-Oskari.
Stories have built Herrankukkaro into what it is, and new stories are being born all the time. Local food, the archipelago nature, and responsibility are all woven into the story. But where did it all begin?
Pentti-Oskari bought Herrankukkaro back in the day with his wife as a family summer home. When it became little used after the children grew up, they started considering the place’s potential for business.
For a long time, they pondered whether to cater to groups or private customers.
– A friend of mine advised me to decide what to do and then focus on it. That was wise advice. We decided to focus on groups, which was the right choice. If we had invested in private customers, the summer season would be really busy, but otherwise, it would be quiet. Now we have enough customers and activities all year round, says Pentti-Oskari.
Year-round operation is every tourism company’s dream, and a lot of work has been done for it at Herrankukkaro as well. From the very beginning, the company set a goal that March and November, which are often quiet in the industry, would be the busiest months of the year.
They invested a lot in them. They didn't become the busiest, but they are still very good. The strongest demand falls in May-June and August-October.
A friend of mine advised: decide what you are going to do and then focus on that. Pentti-Oskari Kangas
Karioskari emphasizes that the company's business is based on respect for nature. Sustainability and responsibility are taken into account in all operations. For example, the food selection focuses on local produce and archipelago fish.
Pentti-Oskari, originally from Lyökki, recalls his childhood foods with warmth. In the archipelago, they ate simply: vegetables, fish, eggs, and forest produce. Salt, pepper, and honey were sufficient for seasoning. In these recipes
Pentti-Oskari believes, and food prepared according to them is enjoyed at Herrankukkaro. Pentti-Oskari also shares these recipes in his popular Friday Recipes.
The Friday Recipe is an email newsletter, the subscriber count of which has reached up to 96,000 subscribers across Finland. In the letters, Pentti-Oskari tells stories, shares recipes, and at the same time spreads information about Herrankukkaro's news. The letters are indeed one of Herrankukkaro’s most important marketing channels. Anyone can subscribe to these stories for free to their email at perjantairesepti.fi.
Another thing extremely important to us is word-of-mouth. Every group must be handled as well as possible so that the customers are satisfied. Then they will tell others about us and want to come back here, says Karioskari.
Herrankukkaro hosts meetings, workplace well-being days, and retreats. The days may include lectures and programs, but also relaxation, such as sauna, swimming, and a good night's sleep.
The venue welcomes approximately 10,000 customers annually, half of whom come from the Capital Region. The rest arrive from Southwest Finland, Satakunta, and some from even further away. About half of the customers are companies and half are from the public sector. The groups are typically large, ranging from 80 to 200 people. Very few destinations in Southern Finland are capable of hosting and accommodating such large groups, but at Herrankukkaro, it is possible.
Karioskari and Pentti-Oskari summarize that the key to Herrankukkaro is being different – standing out from the rest.
– When workplaces want to go somewhere a bit different for a well-being day, not just any regular meeting room, many remember us. Being different is our strength.
Another important asset is the beautiful archipelago nature, which can be enjoyed in all seasons. Nature is utilized in many versatile ways. Group programs often include activities such as yard games, traditional net boat rowing, and survival suit floating. It is also important just to be in nature. Even silence alone can make a powerful impression.
Although Herrankukkaro is styled as an old fishing village, Pentti-Oskari emphasizes that exoticism and primitivism are two different things.
– People can enjoy exotic conditions, but they can't hang their clothes on a pine branch when going to the sauna or do their business in an outhouse. All modern comforts must be present. That’s why we have, for example, 28 flush toilets here.
Why are days focusing on work well-being
important for a company?
1. Employees get away from everyday life and to a new place – preferably in the middle of nature.
2. The connection and bond between members of the work community strengthen through shared activities and discussions.
3. Feeling good and having a positive mindset help you cope better at work, too.
+ The oxygen in the archipelago provides good sleep – and turns even unpleasant things into more positive ones!
Tips provided by Pentti-Oskari Kangas.
Herrankukkaro
Industry: meetings, recreation, and work well-being
Founded: 1995
Employees: 12 permanent islanders, plus extras
Revenue: €1.1M (2022)